After a somewhat extreme post a few days ago, I've decided to give away THE secrets of my recent success. I bet it's obvious that I took a Catholic approach, right? Wrong. (In with the unpredictability) Even though I believe God lit my path to recovery- I'm not quite there yet but I know I will get there- I believe that there are a few standard rules, for even the non-believers to lead a GOOD life, these rules are called;
The Seven Cardinal Rules For Life.
1) Make peace with your past.
Remember, those who run from their past, are condemned to repeat it. It will always catch up to you, and always ruins your chances of a real clean slate. So aim for closure with the past, this way it won't disturb your present and future.
2) What other people think of you...
Is none of your business.
Oh no, controversial. Let's face it people, we're IN a world that enables society to dictate to all people, of all walks of life, what is and isn't acceptable. You're either too skinny, or too fat, you're meant to listen to specific kinds of music. Sex, alcohol and drugs are not just accepted as a part of growing up, it's expected from the adolescence/young adults of this day in age. Anything different is disapproved. Why? Because society tells us to do what feels good, and to live in the moment.
I can personally guarantee all of you reading this today that if you forget what other people think of you, and worry more about what you think of yourself, you will live a HAPPIER life.
3) Time heals almost anything.
Yes, yes I know, we live in a world where "time is of the essence" and there aren't enough hours in a day to get what you need done and it would be SO MUCH easier, if things could just happen NOW and not later. But honestly, that's another thing that is so wrong with the world. I'm not telling you to be a sloth, or be lazy or just sit around in bed, on the contrary, GO, DO but instead of doing something NOW and expecting results NOW, like going to the gym and working out to lose weight, or gain muscles, it takes time. All good things take time. Give it time.
4) No-one is in charge...
Of your happiness except you.
Here's a rule for all the young and in love, if they say they can't live without you, they don't need you, they need a therapist. Also, looking for anything or anyone to make you happy, isn't only unfair, it's futile. There is no one in the world, who can make you happy, if you aren't already happy. I'm not talking about the kind of happiness that is short-lived, like when you eat a piece of cake. I'm talking about the kind of happiness that makes you realize your blessings, in your darkest hours. That's all you.
5) Don't compare your life to others.
Just like not one snowflake is the same, no person is the same. Sure, twins can look the same, best friends can act the same, you can even like the same things as a person. But in the end, we are all unique, and not to wax lyrically on the joys of loving God, but we are all made unique, "in the image and likeness of God" (okay, maybe I am a little predictable, but meh.) You are an individual, don't try to be like anyone, you will be miserable, be you and if people don't like who you are, well... Refer to rule number 2.
One last thing, just like you don't want to be judged, don't judge them either, you have no idea what their journey is about.
6) Stop thinking too much.
Notice how that doesn't say "don't think at all" - THINK, RATIONALIZE, but don't second guess your every move, don't over think your problems, if you don't have a solution, it will come to you. For as long as you are alive there is nothing that is not fixable, that's the beauty of life. It's alright not to have all the answers, they WILL come to you, when you least expect it.
7) Smile.
It's not cheesy. IT'S NOT. NO. Ok, maybe it's a little cheesy, but seriously- SMILE. You don't own all the problems in the world.
The seven biggest cliche's in history.
